Origins
The earliest reference to the term is an inscription in Linear B (Mycenean Greek) syllabic script found in Knossos of Crete dated 1450-1400 BC. The inscription is referring to the "potnia of the labyrinth" (Mistress of the Labyrinth), who probably presided over the palace of Knossos. A famous Minoan seal impression found by Arthur Evans shows a nameless goddess brandishing a spear and standing upon the representation of a mountain flanked by rampant lions.
Several tablets in Linear B script found at Knossos and Pylos refer to the potnia (mistress) or to potniai (mistresses). Potnia is almost always accompanied by an epithet characterizing a particular place or function of the mistress. At Pylos a tablet is referring to "potnia Athana", a form similar to the later Homeric form and another to the "two Potniai and Poseidon" (Campell 1964).
Read more about this topic: Potnia
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